Real Madrid's Gareth Bale celebrates with the trophy during the UEFA Champions League Final at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff (Image: PA)

In a a 23-page document called “Capital Ambition” laying out his cabinet’s plans, Mr Thomas’ administration reveals it wants to host an event to mark the approaching Football Association of Wales ' 150th anniversary.

“It could be a return of the Champions League final, the feedback from Uefa has been terrific,” he said.

He said he would not rule out joint bids for other events and echoing comments from Welsh Government secretary Ken Skates, he said he would “be minded” to support a call for Wales to host Euro 2020 games if host Belgium is not ready.

What other plans are in store for Cardiff?

Improving the number of schools which get a “good” or “excellent” Estyn rating;

Building 1,000 new council homes; and

Improving roads and cycling facilities.

Coun Thomas said that the items included in the document are either directly from or “in the spirit” of the manifesto they published before the election on May 4.

He said they fall under broad themes of reducing inequality in the city and how the authority can help people “lift themselves out of poverty”.

Bus interchange and indoor arena are priorities

Artist's impression of the new look Cardiff bus interchange

Coun Thomas said picking the top items from the list was difficult, but he said: “If you deliver the bus interchange and indoor arena they are two very tangible projects which would be a priority for me. But we’re doing them because we believe they’re fundamental to drive down inequality”.

When asked how a new bus station would improve the lives of people in some of the city’s poorest areas, Coun Thomas said: “The bus interchange is all about improving connectivity across the city and the region and making it as easy for people to get to work and get a job.

“It’s about providing a platform (that) can draw business and companies into Cardiff. We’re creating the infrastructure, we’re creating jobs and enabling access to those jobs.”